Wool Blanket - Worth it?

[Redoleary]

It's completely worth it if you like it. You've got a bulletproof piece of gear that you don't have to baby like down and you enjoy it, thats reason enough. I carry around 10-15# of camera gear..... is that worth it? Definitely to me, but it wouldn't be for everyone.
If you're getting the performance you need out of your wool then I say bring it along, HYOH and all that.

[IRONFISH45]

I have always carried at least 1 (up to 3) wool blankets with me when I hike, camp, or go into the woods for any reason. They have fantastic insulative qualities (wet or dry) are tough and can be multi-purposed (insulation, shelter, ground pad, hammock, carry-all, etc. BUT...They are heavy and bulky. I can't seem to convince myself to leave 'em home. Opinions????

I always have a wool blanket no matter what. I realize it is outdated, however, I am not parting with it. My wool blanket has been with me for many years on countless adventures. My travel wool blanket even kept me warm when I was hospitalized in a small remote facility with an inadequate heating system (the person across from me had a jar of home preserved peaches freeze. I borrowed a touque, had my daughter bring my parka and bmy trusty wool travel blanket, I survived. I however hope I am never in such a situation again.

[Hess Adventures]

I personally love my wool blanket, You will have a bunch of different views on this board. I don't normally hike with mine now that I have a full hammock setup. But car camping, Kayak Camping, and I even one for Emergency's in my car.

[Trail Runner]

I used 100% wool blankets backpacking until I switched to hammock camping. They were just a pain to use in a hammock. Too big as a single layer, too small when doubled. Then I got into light/ultralight backpacking and have never considered bringing one along again. Now, my entire sleep & shelter system weighs less than one of the wool blankets (3.5 lbs) I used to bring.

As others have mentioned, I do keep one in my car during winter for emergencies.

[SilvrSurfr]

With each wool blanket weighing at least 4 to 5 lbs., I couldn't imagine carrying three of them at my age (56). However, I do remember the days when pack weight didn't mean anything to me, and I regularly went out hiking with a 60 to 70 lb. pack for an overnighter. At age 50, I finally decided I couldn't carry that kind of weight and went to more UL concepts.

[subcanis]

So I went hanging last night...WITHOUT my wool blanket. Just before sunrise my thermometer read 26 deg. I was warm as toast. Just got my new incubator 20 with 2 extra oz. yesterday and took it out for a test drive. With that and a Kelty Cosmic down 20 as a top quilt, I was actually too warm for a bit (while the temp was still in the 30's). The takeaway? I love the wool blankets. They truly are bulletproof and SO versatile! I think I'll always keep my wool blankets as an option, and I'm sure I'll be taking them on many adventures to come, but I also foresee leaving them in the closet when the situation warrants, which may be more often than I'm current ready to admit. Thanks for all the feedback to this post. Having just joined HF this past week I can already tell I'm going to like it here!

[deuce656]

the umbilical cord has been cut......congrats! nice set-up btw

[winterbeard]

What do you use to keep it from moving around under you?

Hi, Flash. I picked up four little black plastic Spring Clamps, from the tools hardware section of Walmart. 3.99, or something like that. They pinch the fabric without tearing it, and hold that blanket tight where I want it.
Regards, Ted


"What's the best gift you can give a kid?
Happily married parents!"

[winterbeard]

?... Just got my new incubator 20 with 2 extra oz. yesterday and took it out for a test drive. With that and a Kelty Cosmic down 20 as a top quilt, I was actually too warm for a bit (while the temp was still in the 30's)...

Say, that does look toasty! Enjoy the cool weather!



"What's the best gift you can give a kid?
Happily married parents!"

[transeuphrates]

Instead of a wool blanket, try a merino wool sweater, socks, and beanie. They are lighter and still keep the majority of your body warm. Wool definitely has its advantages and disadvantages. I always have a wool blanket when car camping, but never use it in my hammock setup. It works well as an emergency blanket if you get cold and wet. It's too heavy for lightweight backpacking. To each their own though. If you can get away with the extra weight and don't mind, then take it.

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